The Comox Valley Community Foundation announced this week the opening of the Professional Development Grant opportunity for registered charitable organizations in the Comox Valley.

For the second year, the Comox Valley Community Foundation has dedicated $10,000 to support professional development initiatives.  Successful applicants will be eligible for up to $2,000 per organization.

鈥淐omox Valley charitable organizations play an essential role in creating a better future for all in the Valley,鈥� said CVCF president, Dr. Norman Carruthers. 鈥淲e all benefit from the passion and talents of the many employees and volunteers who work tirelessly to make the Comox Valley better.鈥�

The Comox Valley Community Foundation recognizes that many organizations鈥� resources are stretched to the maximum. Often the most critical need they have is greater support and training for their staff and volunteers. The Foundation has dedicated these funds to help address these requirements.

In 2016, $10,000 was awarded for professional development to seven agencies. For example, Hornby Island Elder Housing Society received a grant to certify its maintenance contractor for small water systems. In addition, the Comox Valley Ground Search and Rescue used the grant to train 14 staff members in wilderness first aid. This course is designed for first-aid responders more than an hour away from a hospital, and in the Comox Valley, rescues are generally more than three hours away so this course was very suitable for the purposes of this agency.

Applications will be accepted until Feb. 20. Successful applicants will be announced in the spring. Interested groups are encouraged to learn more about the eligibility criteria and application process at cvcfoundation.org. For further information contact the Comox Valley Community Foundation by calling 250-338-8444 or email cvcfadmin@shaw.ca